Radon level in a Nigerian University Campus

Abstract

BackgroundGlobally, radon is a natural contaminant that affects indoor air quality. Several epidemiological studies have implicated high radon levels in the causality of lung cancer. The study therefore determined the environmental level of radon in selective offices in the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A Pro 3-series radon detector was used to determine the radon levels in randomly selected offices. The instrument was set-up in each office and after 48 h, reading was taken and recorded on a proforma data sheet. The structural characteristics of the offices were also assessed by observation.ResultsThe result revealed that the radon level obtained in the sampled offices ranged from 0.0 to 5.3 pCi/L (196 Bq/m3). The median concentration of radon obtained from sampled offices was 0.9 pCi/L. Almost all (95 %) of the offices had radon levels within the ‘permissible’ reference level recommended by World Health Organization. Radon levels also showed a statistically significant decline with height of office building with the mean concentration of radon in offices located on the basement, ground floor and first floor being 1.54 ± 1.32, 0.99 ± 0.56, 0.63 ± 0.41 pCi/L respectively, (F statistic 5.8, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe radon levels obtained in most assessed offices in Obafemi Awolowo University were found to be within the permissible reference levels. Mitigation measures should be put in place in the few offices above permissible levels.

Radon Levels in Indoor Environments of the University Hospital in Bari-Apulia Region Southern Italy

“…Moreover, as expected, the average radon concentration found in the upper floors was lower than that found in the basement floors. This finding is in line with findings that have been reported in the literature [ 24 , 25 ] and is due to the manner in which radon penetrates into environments. Indeed, radon migrates from the ground into buildings by penetrating through cracks, wall–floor joints and passages of the thermal, electrical and hydraulic systems.…”

Analysis of Indoor Radon Level and its Health Risks Parameters in Three Selected Towns in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

“…However, the concentration level for the basement house was higher than the recommended value by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Also, the indoor radon level concentration measured by [16] in Obasfemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife are similar to the indoor radon level measured in Borikiri, (BT), Diobu (DR) and Rebisi (RB) towns. The radon level obtained from the offices varied from 0.0 − 5.3 Bqm −3 .…”

Radon risk perception and barriers for residential radon testing in Southwestern Nigeria

“…In 2015, Afolabi et al. [ 9 ] reported measurable quantities of radon in sites and locations within the academic core of the study area [ 9 ]. Furthermore, Esan et al., 2020 [ 10 ], reported possibility of the sampled populace being exposed to high radon concentration due to faults across the underlying bedrock on which buildings in the study area have been cited.…”

“…Currently, in Nigeria, there is low public awareness about radon and vast number of the populace lack requisite knowledge about radon risk. Furthermore, Nigeria does not have regulatory limits for radon levels in building/residences and there are no campaigns to raise population awareness about radon, despite the fact that some studies have documented elevated radon levels in houses in parts of the country [ 9 , 11 ]. Also, radon testing for homes is not a requirement for house sales in Nigeria, which could be, if the population had been adequately sensitized about radon risk.…”